The Hindu Business Line : Meet stresses need for SME ratings

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations and the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry in association with SME Ratings Agency of India Ltd (SMERA) organised a seminar on `Empowering SMEs through Ratings' here on Thursday.

Speakers at the seminar called for a comprehensive, transparent and reliable rating for the SME companies to facilitate faster and easier access to credit. Besides, such ratings would enhance the image of the SME companies in the international market.Mr John K. Paul, President of the chamber, said the SME sector had acquired a prominent place and had a direct impact on the growth of national economy. Despite its size and significance, the sector had always been at the receiving end owing to its fragility as compared to large companies.

Problems in State

Mr A. Karunagaran, Assistant General Manager, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), elaborated on the SMEs in Kerala, the problems faced by them and the opportunities that are opening up in Kochi. He expressed the hope that SMEs rating would go a long way in extending various benefits to the sector.Mr Shripadraj Upadhyaya, Business Development Manager, SME Rating Agency of India, made a detailed presentation on the role of SMERA, the rating process undertaken and the various benefits that would accrue to the rated SMEs. He pointed out that SMERA had completed 105 ratings in a period of six months since its inception.

Mr V. Srinivasan, Deputy Director, FIEO, requested the participants of the seminar to utilise the services of SMERA for their betterment.

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